Dear friends and neighbors,

The 2025 legislative session is nearing the end, and in the next several days, you’ll hear a lot about budgets and taxes and all of the major work being done around public safety, housing, education and much more.

I’m proud of my work on all of those issues, and they rightfully receive the bulk of the attention here in Olympia. But there are many other policies that fly under the radar every year that also have an impact on people and communities statewide.

I wanted to tell you today about two bills I sponsored this year that won’t grab a lot of headlines but will make a difference.

Senate Bill 5653 allows both lieutenants and captains at the Department of Fish and Wildlife the same collective bargaining rights as those who rank below them, helping us better attract and retain great employees and ensure that everyone who protects our natural resources have the same rights.

There’s a lot of excitement about the upcoming World Cup in 2026, and in preparation for this event and Washington’s role in it, there are several investments and policy changes that will help make this event a success. I sponsored SB 5281, which will allow larger vessels to enter Washington’s water ways for a fee, increasing economic activity and helping fund youth swimming and water safety programs in the process. We anticipate the World Cup will draw interest and visitors from all corners of the planet. Recreational boating is already an enormous economic driver in our state, this bill will only serve to increase it.

Earlier this month, I also had the honor of sponsoring a resolution celebrating the forest product industry and the workforce supported by Washington’s forests. Several of the folks who work in that industry are pictured above and were in Olympia to help us celebrate their work. Thousands of jobs and billions of dollars are generated each year through forest products. Washington’s forests support recreation, fish and wildlife habitat, renewable energy, carbon dioxide capture that combats climate change, green building materials and so much more.

Please take a moment to watch this video of the entire floor session. I think you’ll get a good sense of the importance and impact our forests have on people across our state.

One last thing on all of these measures — all were bipartisan. Every bill had both Democratic and Republican sponsors and votes. That’s the secret here in Olympia, the vast majority of what we do is actually bipartisan. We have disagreements, sure, but we also work together more often than not to help make our state a better place because we all have a stake in it.

Thank you for serving, Rivka!

This week Rivka, an 8th grader at Blue Heron Middle School, served as my Senate page. She enjoys running track and playing basketball and hopes to attend New York University one day to pursue a career in journalism. Thank you for all your help this week, Rivka, and good luck in the future!

Here’s a great way to get involved in your government!

Are you a young person looking to get involved in your government? Join the Legislative Youth Advisory Council’s 2025-27 cohort!

LYAC is the official nonpartisan youth advisory body to the Legislature and consists of 24 geographically, ideologically and socioeconomically diverse students ages 14-18. The group ensures the interests and opinions of young people are heard and taken into consideration in the legislative process. Outside of session, LYAC engages with youth organizations across the state and helps educate people on civic engagement.

The deadline to apply is April 30. Learn more at walyac.org/apply.

Stay in touch

Our office is always ready to help you. Please don’t hesitate to contact us and share your thoughts or concerns. This work can’t — and shouldn’t — happen without you.

Thank you for being such an essential part of our community and for your continued trust. It is an honor to serve you in Olympia.

Sincerely,

Mike Chapman